Cushioning running board for automobiles



May 15, 1928 S. LUCKE CUSHIONING RUNNING BOARD FOR AUTOMOBILES Filed May 10, 192'? In wen tar 26,0/76IV l uc/(e,

Patented May 15, 1928.

UNITED STATES STEPHEN LUCKE, OF TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

CUSHIONING RUNNING- BOARD FOR AUTOMOBILES.

Application filed May 10 This inventionv relates to no Y and useful improvements in automobile runl'iing'boards, and aims to provide a cmlstruction of this character wherein there is provided cushion.-

ing means for the board per so, with the end in view that when one steps upon the board, the body oi the car will not be greatly vibrated or shaken, and in order to provide a cushion step for passengers entering or leaving the car.

In carrying out my invention, there is provided. a highly novel. simple and relative ly efiicient, and inexpensive construction. that may be readily applied to practically all characters of automobiles now in use. after the usual running board has been removed therefrom.

In the drawing wherein like reference characters designate like parts through the same:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of an automobile equipped with my improved running board.

Fig. 2 is a transverse section thru the running board, and

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof, a portion of the hinged lid for the bottom being removed.

Now having particular reference to the drawings, AA designates the usual pair of runningboard braces, now associated withpractically all characters of automobiles in use.

In carrying out my invention, there is provided an elongated boxing 5 open at its top side and adapted to be disposed longitudinally between the end fenders B-B of the automobile body and rigidly attached to the outwardly extending horizontal portions of the braces A-A.

The top of this boxing 5 is open and rigidly secured to the inner face of the bottom wall of this boxing are vertically extending expansible coiled springs 6 preferably arranged in longitudinally spaced pairs as disclosed by the full lines in Fig. 2, and the dotted lines in Fig. 3.

Arranged over the open top side of the boxing 6 is an inverted box-like covering or lid 7 upon the top face of which alrranged a suitable mat 8. To the inner face of the top wall of this covering or lid 7, the upper ends of the springs 6 are rigidly secured. Any desirable fastening means 5 may be provided between the ends of the springs and the boxing 5 and lid 7, prefer- 1927. Serial No. 190,237.

ably of such a nature as to permit the same to be readily detached therefrom.

The bottom wall of the boxing 5 is formed with longitudinally spaced enlarged openings 9. so that access may be had to the interior ot the boxing. for. permitting the springs 6 to be removed or repaired. Furthermore hingedly secured to the bottom wall of the boxing 5 adjacent the inner edge thereof as at 10, is a covering board 11. normally swung into engagement with the bot tom of the boxing for covering the openings 9 to prevent the access of water or the like into said boxing.

As indicated in Figs. 2 and 3. the rear edge of this covering board 11 is provided with transversely extending slots 12 12 for receiving the braces .AA. Suitable means l.3-13 is provided between the boxing and the forward edge of the board 11 to rigidly secure the board in closed position as indicated in various figures.

Obviously. the covering or lid 7 for the boxing 5 is normally extended upwardly by reason of the spring 6. However. when one steps upon the covering or lid. the shock is imparted to the springs for thus providing a cushion step.

Having thus described my invention. what I claim as new is 1. In a cushioning means for running boards of automobiles. an elongated boning being open at its top side and positioned upon, the usual running board braces. a head movable loosely upon the open top side of the boxing. expansible coiled springs arranged within the boxing and attached at their opposite ends to the lid and to the boxing. the bottom wall of the boxing being provided with entrance openings. and a hinged cover for the openings in said boxing.

2. In a cushioned running board of the character described, an elongated boxing open at its top side and adapted to he disposed longitudinally upon the i'lsnal running board braces. a slip type lid tor the upper open side of the boxing, expansible coiled springs arranged within the boxing and attached at their opposite ends to the bottom wall of the boxing and the top wall oi the lid. the bottom wall of the boxing being provided with openings to permit access to the interior thereof.

3. In a cushioned running board of the character described, an elongated boxing open at its top side and adapted to be dis-- posed longitudinally upon the usual running board braees, a slip type lid for the upper open side of the boxing, expansible coiled springs arranged Within the boxing and attached at their opposite ends to the bottom Wall of the boxing and the top wall of the lid, the bottom wall of the boxing being provided with openings to permit access to the interior thereof, and means associated with the boxing for normally maintaining said opening closed.

4. In a cushioned running board of the class described, an elongated boxing open at its to side, and adapted to be disposed longitudinally upon the usual running board braces, a slip type lid for the upper open side of the boxing, expansible coiled springs arranged within the boxing and attached at their opposite ends to the bottom wall of the boxing and the top Wall of the lid, the bottom wall of the boxing being provided with enlarged openings located between the springs, and a hinged cover for the openings secured to the under side of the bottom of the boxing, said hinged cover being formed with slots to accommodate the running board braces.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

STEPHEN LUCKE. 

